Gaz Hughes – drums
Andrzej Baranek – piano
Ed Harrison – bass
The trio return to the East Side after charming us last year with a great gig. Since then they have released a new album “Nuclear Bebopalypse,”. Riding high on the success of their 2023 UK tour, the trio showcases eight original compositions, the album pays homage to jazz legends, blending heritage with a modern twist for a captivating soundscape that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Gaz first came to wider public attention as the original drummer in the Matthew Halsall Band and featured heavily on the early recordings of the Gondwana label. A particular highlight was recording the album “On The GO”, which won THE BEST JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards, 2012 and was nominated Best Jazz Album MOBO Awards, 2011.
As a sideman, Gaz has performed with many UK and international Jazz artists including: Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Marshal Allen, Greg Abate, Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Mark Nightingale, Tony Kofi, Ian Shaw, Guy Barker, Liane Carroll, Matt Ford, Digby Fairweather, Tina May, Art Theman, Gilad Atzmon, Julian Stringle, Roy Williams, Enrico Tomasso, John Hallam, Ben Holder, Brian Dee, Dave Newton, Remi Harris, Tim Kliphuis, Dean Masser, Neil Yates, Arun Ghosh, Matthew Halsall, Nat Birchall, Adam Fairhall, James Allsopp, Ivo Neame, Dean Stockdale and Uno Prism.
Gaz has also played with many Rock and Pop artists including Patti Boulaye, Suzi Quatro, Ray Quinn (X Factor), Rick Guard (Platinum selling artist and musical writer), Kristyna Myles (Mobo nominated artist).
In 2019, Gaz was voted 5th Place – BRITISH JAZZ AWARDS, in 2020 Gaz released his first album as a band leader “Plays Art Blakey”. It featured Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams and Dean Masser and was supported by a huge UK tour and extensive radio play. Andrzej Baranek and Ed Harrison also went on to record as part of Gaz’s trio albums.
In May 2022, Gaz released a trio album “Beboperation”. It was so well received that the trio went straight back in the studio to record a follow up album called “Beboptical Illusion”. The latest album marks a turning point for the trio as it features mostly original compositions and is a direction that the trio will be focusing on from now on. Beboptical Illusion was released last February and supported by a huge UK tour that included the East Side
Gaz is endorsed by the Canopus drum company.
Andrzej Baranek – A swinging , edgy and inventive pianist who many jazz fans will recognise as a member of the renowned Magic Hat Ensemble . He has performed with many UK jazz stars including Dave O’Higgins and Enrico Tomasso and is one of the most in-demand accompanists in the North West.
– – – What the critics, promoters and musicians say: – – –
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“Incredible” – Ginger Baker
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“An extremely tasteful and swinging straight ahead drummer, Hughes exhibits a no-nonsense approach to his playing” – www.jazzviews.net
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“Thoroughly entertained by top class musical talent”– Pershore Jazz
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“Two superb sets from some of the UK’s finest Jazz musicians” – www.thejazzman.com
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“They rarely deliver anything less than excellence and today topped just about everything that had preceded it. I feel sad for the squares who weren’t there” – Bebop Spoken Here
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“Old school Jazz for the 21st Century” – Dale Bassett, Sonata Lounge
Gaz Hughes Trio – Beboperation Videos
Caravan: https://youtu.be/rpZVUpSYcpQ
Send In The Clowns: https://youtu.be/Z-s1V3DEMug
Talking about the album: https://youtu.be/ei0DwwfgRzE